“Every year I become more and more impressed with the talent a relatively small state like Utah produces. The state produces more college talent per capita than any state I can think of in the Western region, and it’s only getting better from what we can tell.”

Scout.com recruiting analyst Brandon Huffman

The 2013 prep high school season is upon us, and with it a host of top talent raring to show their best stuff.

The state of Utah is again full of top-shelf talent from Cache Valley in the north down to Dixie in the south and everywhere in between. Many of the top players already have multiple scholarship offers in hand while others are intent in proving their worth to top programs.

Those seeking to see the top in-state prospects likely won’t have to look far.

“Every year I become more and more impressed with the talent a relatively small state like Utah produces,” said scout.com recruiting analyst Brandon Huffman. “The state produces more college talent per capita than any state I can think of in the Western region, and it’s only getting better from what we can tell.”

Indeed, Utah consistently lands in the top five of players per capita earning college scholarships, according to reports from rivals and other services.

So who are the top in-state players to keep on eye on during the coming season?

First and foremost would be Mr. Football himself, Austin Kafentzis. The Jordan High quarterback returns for his junior season on the heels of verbally committing to play for Gary Andersen at Wisconsin. Kafentzis set the field on fire last season, but will have to adjust to a relatively new offensive front.

Other top prospects committed to programs out-of-state include East running back Ula Tolutau (Wisconsin); East defensive end Korey Rush (Arizona State); Highland defensive tackle Bryan Mone (Michigan); and East linebacker Christian Folau, who recently committed to Stanford.

Many of the state’s top prospects are staying in state, including six who are already committed to sign with the University of Utah.

Cougar fans will want to check out Pleasant Grove defensive tackle Zac Dawe, who committed to BYU last year.

Many players with scholarship offers have yet to decide, but could be deciding shortly. This group is headlined by Bingham tight end Dalton Schultz, who holds around 30 offers nationally. Other uncommitted players include, but aren’t limited to, Syracuse defensive back Kavika Fonua, who will decide between BYU and Utah; Brighton linebacker Isaiah Kaufusi, who is a so-called "soft commit" to BYU; American Fork offensive lineman James Empey, who claims offers from Utah and Utah State, and Timpview defensive end Isaiah Nacua, who has offers from numerous Pac-12 programs, including Utah.

Many exciting play-makers return for 2013 who will undoubtedly be worth following. The top play-makers in the state look to be Granger running back Tani Lahau’li, Lone Peak quarterback Baron Gadjkowski, Alta receiver Mack Richards, Jordan running back Clay Moss and Orem receiver Nolan Gray, among many others.

Indeed, the state will offer many exciting players — some well-known and others looking to make a big impression in 2013.

Popular Comments

Before you get too lost in your euphoric fog, please note that BYU is not a
state school but a national university, having no requirement to stay in its own
backyard. No one cares much about Utah outside SL County especially in other PAC
cities. ASU
More..

6:53 a.m. Aug. 2, 2013

Top comment

Chris B

Salt Lake City, UT

And yet AGAIN the university of Utah is winning the recruiting battle for this
years seniors.

Brandon Gurney covers recruiting, high school sports, and BYU athletics for the Deseret News. Previously, he worked with scout.com for eight years, covering BYU, with an emphasis on recruit coverage. He joined the Deseret more ..